The absence of Pro Bowl defensive tackle Akiem Hicks was felt in the Bears’ embarrassing loss to the Saints, where Chicago allowed a second consecutive 100-yard rusher in running back Latavius Murray.
While the Bears won’t be able to fill the void left by Hicks in that run defense, as well as pass rush, they’re searching for ways to fortify the defensive line.
The Bears are signing former Tennessee Titans defensive end Brent Urban, according to NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport.
Urban, who signed a one-year deal with the Titans in April, was released by the team this past weekend. The former fourth-round draft pick played a limited number of snaps and failed to record a tackle on defense this season.
Urban joins a defensive line that includes nose tackle Eddie Goldman, defensive tackle Bilal Nichols, defensive end Nick Williams and defensive end Roy Robertson-Harris.
As the Bears are coming off allowing two back-to-back 100-yard rushers, they’ll face the versatile Chargers running back Melvin Gordon, determined to not make it three straight.
